The idea was to see if members of the public would stop a man armed with bolt cutters, who was whistling and making a big show of himself as he stole his own bike. No-one did. No-once called the police. No-one wasted police time.

Insp Keith Rundle explains:

“We’re not suggesting that anyone become a ‘have-a-go hero’ but we’re asking people to call 999 and report bike theft as soon as they see it happening so we can catch the bike thieves in the act.”

Only, PCSO Neil Spiring never did steal a bike. And, as we say, not one wrestled him to ground or beat him to a pulp with the bolt cutters.

“We are constantly on the lookout for bike thieves but we also need the community to be vigilant and to call us if they see a crime happening. The faster you let us know the more likely we are to be able to catch the thief.”